Swimming Level Progressions
Starfish Aquatic Lesson Descriptions, Levels, & Program Descriptions
StarBabies & StarTots (6 to 36 months old)
The purpose of this course is to foster in very young children a high comfort level in the water while at the same time training parents and caregivers in water safety and drowning prevention. This course does not teach children to become accomplished swimmers or to survive in the water; it does provide a confidence-building, fun, and loving experience. Swimmers will progress through all the colors as they gain confidence and mobility through the water.
Swim School: White/Red/Yellow/Blue/Green (3-5 years old) & (6+ years old)
Students work toward the development of the five core swimming competencies and receive color stage awards for each achievement. The color stages are used to divide students into broad ability groups. Children progress at individual rates with the opportunity to learn core swimming skills and progress to advanced strokes. Learning is self-paced but challenging.
Stage White: Trust and Submersion
Swim Skill: Always ask permission before getting in the water. Assisted submersion, relaxed, 5 seconds and then come up to breathe.
Stage Red: Body Position and Air Recovery
Swim Skill: Jump in, submerge, recover for air, and roll on back for 5 seconds in swimwear and in regular clothes.
Stage Yellow: Submersion
Swim Skill: Jump in, submerge, recover for air, forward movement 10 feet, change direction, and return to wall in swimwear and in regular clothes.
Stage Blue: Body Rotation
Swim Skill: Tread water 15 seconds. Jump in, submerge, recover to side glide position and kick 10 feet.
Stage Green: Integrated Movement
Swim Skill: Survival float and tread water for 30 seconds. Start in glide, swim freestyle 30 feet with 1-2-3 breathe pattern.
Stroke School (6+ years)
Students refine freestyle and learn strokes technique for backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke, and more!
Swim freestyle 30 feet with the body stretched out and consistent form; swim 30 feet of triple-switch backstroke. Swim 30 feet backstroke with straight arm recovery, body roll, good arm, and body extension; perform arm down pulsing for 15 feet. Swim 4 strokes butterfly with only one breath, then the remainder of the pool freestyle. Swim 30 feet breaststroke with good timing and extension. Swim freestyle 50 yards; swim backstroke 50 yards; swim 25 yards butterfly; swim 50 yards breaststroke; perform freestyle and backstroke flip turns and butterfly and breaststroke open turns.
Penguin Club (6+ years old)
Penguin Club is a City program.
Goals: Have fun while learning to swim better. Learn water safety and begin rescues. Get in better shape. Play some water games.
Swim Level: Children who can swim 25 yards freestyle with side breathing and backstroke and pass Stroke School level. If you need a swim evaluation, contact the pool staff.
Adult Lessons (15+ years old)
An instructor is in the water to aid the progression of skills. Classes for the adult that is new to or uncomfortable in the water. We are offering beginning and intermediate levels.
